Khmer

In everything you do in Cambodia, you must overcome a language and cultural barrier.

On Thursday I got the opportunity to work in the pre-school. All of the kids were either in a blue skirt or blue pants and a white and red shirt. This puts into perspective how badly they want to learn. Most of them live in the slums where their streets are covered in trash, yet they still go to school every day. Despite only barely understanding us, they were able to follow all of our directions.

Sunday, Halsey and I got to plaster walls for the girls expansion. Although at first I was not excited, I then realized "I am a 15 year old girl in Cambodia, plastering a wall, in a bathroom for 18 of the most deserving, kind, young women I have ever met." I was then able to push myself to do more than I ever believed possible, in over 100 degree heat.

Later that day, I was able to talk to Srey Po, she works hard at school, in the kitchen, and she's kind and loving. She has 11 brothers and sisters. Srey Po came to CPO 6 weeks ago with her brother who now works at the preschool we teach in. He is the only family member she has had communication with for a year and yet she treats every member of CGA like family. Everyday Srey Po gives me hugs and kisses. She is only in Level 4 for Khmer school at age 13, and is very embarrassed. Despite this, she hopes to go to a university and become a doctor. Although she is only in Level 1 english, her body language and frequent communication make understanding her easy.

I was in the school for a third time today and I felt like it was my best day teaching. I am so lucky to be in a school teaching english to these bright young students who are so eager to learn as a way to better their future.

Khmer is difficult for us. English is difficult for them. Love doesn't have to be translated for it is an international language understood by everyone.